Alexander’s Ramon Ballina signed his letter of intent to continue his career at TAMIU on Wednesday at The Hit Zone.

Alexander’s Ramon Ballina signed his letter of intent to continue his career at TAMIU on Wednesday at The Hit Zone.

Photo: Cuate Santos /Laredo Morning Times

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Alexander’s Ramon Ballina signed his letter of intent to continue his career at TAMIU on Wednesday at The Hit Zone.

Alexander’s Ramon Ballina signed his letter of intent to continue his career at TAMIU on Wednesday at The Hit Zone.

Photo: Cuate Santos /Laredo Morning Times

Image 3 of 4

Alexander’s Ramon Ballina signed his letter of intent to continue his career at TAMIU on Wednesday at The Hit Zone.

Alexander’s Ramon Ballina signed his letter of intent to continue his career at TAMIU on Wednesday at The Hit Zone.

Photo: Cuate Santos /Laredo Morning Times

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Alexander’s Ballina signs with TAMIU

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With five former United players returning to the roster next season, Ramon Ballina is bringing some balance from the local rivalry to the Texas A&M International baseball team. The Alexander graduate signed on to continue his career with the Dustdevils in a ceremony Wednesday at The Hit Zone.

"It’s awesome that I get to stay in town," Ballina said. "I just go back home and then go to school. I already know my way around. I’m pretty excited and I’m really proud. I know I have to work hard now because it’s going to get tougher."

Despite a dip in his batting average at .233 in his senior season, Ballina recorded a career-high 23 RBIs while leading the Bulldogs to a fourth straight outright district title. He also scored seven times and was named honorable mention at first base in the All-District and LMT All-City awards.

"I’m really proud of Ramon and really excited for him to continue his playing career at TAMIU," Alexander head coach Fernando Lemus said. "They are getting a great player in Ramon and a great student. He is a hard worker and is dedicated. We are extremely proud of him at Alexander and wish him nothing but the best."

In Ballina's three seasons as a starter, Alexander went 74-23 overall including a 39-5 mark in district play. He helped lead the Bulldogs to an 18-9 record in the postseason and 10 series victories including a run to the state semifinals in 2015. Ballina hit .341 in his career with 61 RBIs, 47 runs, 30 walks and 17 doubles.

"I learned a lot from there," Ballina said. "The coaches are amazing. They taught me a lot. I have been through so much with them and I really want to thank them for everything."

"I want to thank Ramon and his parents for all of their dedication to our program," Lemus said. "I know he’s going to be a successful player at the next level and we want to wish him the best of luck."

Along with learning from his high school coaches, Ballina also benefited from his involvement in the Hardnose Baseball Club. It includes training at The Hit Zone and traveling to college showcases to gain exposure. Ballina is the seventh player in two years of the program to sign on at the next level.

"It’s pretty awesome," he said. "We practice four times a week for a couple of hours. The coaches are really cool. They will help you out if you need anything. You can call them whenever you want to come train here."

Ballina will put all his training to good use as he competes for playing time at first base and third base in his freshman season at TAMIU. He will attempt to help the Dustdevils improve in the fourth season under head coach Ryan Flynn after they finished 12-32 overall in 6-18 in the Heartland Conference last season.

"I’ve gone to a couple of their games and they look pretty good," Ballina said. "I’m very excited to start with them."

After graduating with a 3.2 GPA at Alexander, Ballina will minor in business and consider different majors in his first year at TAMIU.

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